Special Pho
Last inspected: Dec 30, 2025
33
Score
Inspectors have visited Special Pho nine times, with records going back to 2022. The latest inspection on file is from Dec 30, 2025. A high risk rating points to multiple serious findings at the most recent inspection.
There hasn't been much movement either way: counts have stayed near nine violations per visit across recent inspections.
When inspectors have written things up, “equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting” has been the most frequent reason, cited four times.
The city-wide average sits at 77, which Special Pho's 33 doesn't quite reach. Diners may want to scan the inspection details before deciding to visit.
9
Inspections
2
Critical latest
3
Major latest
10
Minor latest
Inspection History
Dec 30, 2025
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 3 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 15 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Frozen cooked pork and chicken stored in black to-go bags in reach-in freezer **Repeat Violation**
14-31-5
High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Establishment utilized a written chart to mark items such as sliced pork, fried chicken wings, fried eggrolls, and rice noodles. Manager identified items and what time they were placed on time and properly labeled the chart. **Corrected On-Site**
03F-02-5
Intermediate - No currently certified food service manager on duty with four or more employees engaged in food preparation/handling. A list of accredited food manager certification examination providers can be found at http://www.myfloridalicense.com/DBPR/hotels-restaurants/food-lodging/food-manager/ Operator is only CFM. Upon arrival five employees engaged in food handling. Manager was called and advised she stepped out for supplies. Manager arrived during inspection. **Corrected On-Site**
53A-05-6
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food opened/prepared, frozen and then thawed and held at refrigeration temperature not properly date marked. Cooked and prepared egg rolls frozen and then thawed not date marked. Manager dated items. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-08-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked pork and cooked chicken prepared onsite and held over 24 hours not date marked inside walk-in cooler. Manager date marked item. **Corrected On-Site**
02C-02-5
Basic - Floor soiled/has accumulation of debris. Floor soiled with heavy accumulation of grease under shelf and cook line at front kitchen.
36-73-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice scoop in standing water less than 135F. Manager removed water and stored utensil dry. **Corrected On-Site**
10-07-4
Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven with buildup on old food debris.
22-08-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Soiled gasket on reach-in cooler at front line. Top of microwaves with accumulation of grease at front kitchen.
23-03-4
Basic - Opened employee beverage container in a cold holding unit with food to be served to customers. Employee coffee stored in front display counter with flan and coffee to be sold to customers. Employee removed drink. **Corrected On-Site**
12B-13-4
Basic - Reach-in cooler interior/shelves have accumulation of soil residues. Interior of standing reach-in freezer with accumulation of debris located in the rear kitchen.
22-16-4
Basic - Standing water or very slow draining water in handwash sink, three-compartment sink, or mop sink. Hand wash sink in between three compartment sink and dish machine slow draining.
29-20-5
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Plate used to scoop mushrooms in walk-in cooler. Manager removed.
14-01-5
Basic - Cardboard used to line nonfood-contact shelves. Cardboard used to line shelves at front kitchen. Heavily soiled.
14-45-4
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Torn gasket on reach-in cooler on front line
14-11-5
33
Jan 23, 2025
Routine - Food
3 critical violations. 1 major violation. 3 minor violations.
View 7 violations
High Priority - Toxic substance/chemical improperly stored. Stored above paper towels in dry storage
41-10-4
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. **Corrected On-Site**
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw shell eggs over produce in walk in cooler Raw meats over produce in walk in cooler Operator had staff reorganize all items in walk in cooler **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - Operator is not properly tracking/marking the number of days ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite was held at refrigeration temperatures prior to freezing in order to properly date mark the food when it is thawed and held at refrigeration temperatures again. Pork in reach in freezer in kitchen
02C-04-5
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting.
24-08-4
Basic - In-use knife/knives stored in cracks between pieces of equipment.
10-17-4
Basic - Old labels stuck to food containers after cleaning.
16-46-4
50
Jul 24, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Hands Clean and Properly Washed
FL-08
Required Records Available; Shellstock Tags/Labels
FL-14
Potentially Hazardous Food Held at Proper Temperature
FL-16
Food Contact Surfaces Clean and Sanitized
FL-22
Non-Food Contact Surfaces Clean
FL-23
64
Mar 6, 2024
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 2 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach in cooler across from fryer has built up food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-28: Cutting board across from fryer still has built up food debris at time of callback inspection report. **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-06: Cutting boards have food debris buildup at the time of this callback inspection report. **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting on cups at front counter. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-28: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-06: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-28: **Time Extended** - From follow-up inspection 2024-03-06: **Time Extended**
33-16-4
82
Feb 28, 2024
Routine - Food
2 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach in cooler across from fryer has built up food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-28: Cutting board across from fryer still has built up food debris at time of callback inspection report. **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. 2 hand wash sinks removed, one on either side of three compartment sink. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-28: Plans have been submitted but not approved as of yet. **Time Extended**
51-16-7
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting on cups at front counter. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-28: **Time Extended**
24-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-28: **Time Extended**
33-16-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Rear door of kitchen propped open. Operator closed door. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-28: **Time Extended**
35B-05-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2024-02-28: **Time Extended**
16-21-4
67
Feb 15, 2024
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 5 major violations. 10 minor violations.
View 17 violations
High Priority - Live, small flying insects in kitchen, food preparation area, food storage area and/or bar area. 2 live flies in kitchen not landing on food or food contact surfaces. **Warning**
35A-02-6
High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bib just side kitchen door. **Warning**
29-34-4
Intermediate - Establishment preparing food using a method that has been determined by the Divisions of Hotels and Restaurants to require an approved variance from the Division. Establishment does not have an approved variance for the method observed in use during the inspection. Establishment cooling beef soup outside of approved methods. **Warning**
03G-46-1
Intermediate - Food being cooled by nonapproved method as evidenced by inadequate rate of cooling during time of inspection. Beef soup left in large pot to cool at ambient air temperature of kitchen. **Warning**
03D-15-4
Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting board on reach in cooler across from fryer has built up food debris. **Warning**
22-02-4
Intermediate - Handwash sink removed from food preparation/dishwashing area. Must be reinstalled in the same location where removed. 2 hand wash sinks removed, one on either side of three compartment sink. **Warning**
31A-04-4
Intermediate - No plan review submitted and approved - renovations were made or are in progress. Must submit plans and plan review application to DBPR H and R Plan Review office located at 2601 Blair Stone Rd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-1011. Plans must be submitted AND approved within 60 days. The direct link to the Plan Review page is https://www2.myfloridalicense.com/hotels-restaurants/licensing/plan-review/. 2 hand wash sinks removed, one on either side of three compartment sink. **Warning**
51-16-7
Basic - Accumulation of debris on exterior of warewashing machine. **Warning**
16-21-4
Basic - Bowl or other container with no handle used to dispense food. Sugar and salt containers. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
14-01-5
Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in unisex bathroom. **Warning**
32-12-5
Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee beverage on clean ware washing storage shelving. Operator removed. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
12B-07-4
Basic - Equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting on cups at front counter. **Warning**
24-08-4
Basic - In-use utensil stored in standing water less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Rice scoop in standing water of 74 F. Operator removed from water. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
10-07-4
Basic - Open dumpster lid. **Warning**
33-16-4
Basic - Outer openings not protected during operation and vermin and/or environmental cross contamination present. Rear door of kitchen propped open. Operator closed door. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
35B-05-4
Basic - Wet mop not stored in a manner to allow the mop to dry operator stored properly. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning**
42-01-4
Basic - Wet wiping cloth not stored in sanitizing solution between uses by hand wash sink just inside kitchen. **Warning**
21-12-4
27
Dec 6, 2023
Routine - Food
No violations found.
100
Jun 28, 2023
Routine - Food
2 critical violations. 4 major violations. 3 minor violations.
View 9 violations
High Priority - Nonfood-grade bags used in direct contact with food. Holding lettuce in front Reach in cooler
14-31-5
High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Raw beef over produce employee moved **Corrected On-Site**
08A-05-6
Intermediate - No written procedures available for use of time as a public health control to hold time/temperature control for safety food. Raw shell eggs and bean spouts Emailed form to manager and reviewed how to complete **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation**
03F-10-5
Intermediate - Ready-to-eat, time/temperature control for safety food prepared onsite and held more than 24 hours not properly date marked. Cooked chicken , pork, egg rolls , broth , various items in Walk in cooler
02C-02-5
Intermediate - No chemical test kit provided when using sanitizer at three-compartment sink/warewashing machine or wiping cloths. Dishmachine chlorine
16-37-1
Intermediate - No proof provided that food employees are informed of their responsibility to report to the person in charge information about their health and activities related to foodborne illnesses.
11-26-1
Basic - Equipment in poor repair. Gasket torn upright freezer and coolers on cooks line Ice build up two door Reach in freezer
14-11-5
Basic - Food stored on floor. Bone broth on Walk in cooler **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation**
08B-38-4
Basic - Nonfood-contact surface soiled with grease, food debris, dirt, slime or dust. Racks in Walk in cooler **Repeat Violation**
23-03-4
43
Jul 20, 2022
Routine - Food
1 major violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Intermediate - - From initial inspection : Intermediate - Food-contact surface soiled with food debris, mold-like substance or slime. Cutting boards stained on cook line deli reach in cooler. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-20: **Time Extended**
22-02-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Covered waste receptacle not provided in women's bathroom. Ladies room receptacle not covered. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-20: **Time Extended**
32-12-5
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Employee beverage container on a food preparation table or over/next to clean equipment/utensils. Employee drink on prep table in kitchen cook line area. Employee removed drink. Employee drink in reach in cooler on cook line. **Corrected On-Site** **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-20: **Time Extended**
12B-07-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - Interior of oven/microwave has accumulation of black substance/grease/food debris. Interior of oven soiled with burnt on food debris. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-20: **Time Extended**
22-08-4
Basic - - From initial inspection : Basic - No conspicuously located ambient air temperature thermometer in holding unit. Cold holding unit deli reach in cooler no thermometer interior in prep area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2022-07-20: **Time Extended**
05-09-4
74
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Special Pho last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Special Pho on file is from Dec 30, 2025. The public record contains nine inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Special Pho?
Across the inspection record, “equipment and utensils not properly air-dried - wet nesting” has been cited four times, more than any other issue at Special Pho.
How does Special Pho compare to other restaurants in St. Petersburg?
Special Pho most recently scored 33 out of 100, which is lower than the St. Petersburg average of 77.
Has Special Pho's inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Special Pho have averaged around nine violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a high risk rating mean?
A high risk rating at Special Pho means the most recent inspection flagged either critical violations or a substantial number of smaller ones. Diners may want to read the violation details before deciding to visit.
How often is Special Pho inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Special Pho is inspected around three times per year on average.
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